2011 Volkswagen Passat · 59,033 MOT tests
2011 Volkswagen Passat reliability
2011 Volkswagen Passats fail 33.8% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 24 Passat years (59,033 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 33.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 133,960
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 59,033
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 2.4% of tests fail here (59% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 50% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.8%
- Lights and electrics10.2%
- Tyres9.3%
- Brakes5.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.9%
- Body, chassis and structure2.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 4.77%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.97%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.52%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.11%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.8%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.95%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (20.6%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (16.91%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.66%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.32%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (5.26%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.92%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Passat year
The full picture: Volkswagen Passat reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Passat, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2011 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
2011 Volkswagen Passats fail 33.8% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 24 Passat years (59,033 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.77% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.97% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.52% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volkswagen Passat shows 133,960 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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